Public Health Preparedness
The Role of Public Health in Preparedness
A healthier population leads to a resilient population during and after a disaster. By focusing on the overall health of a population, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health aims to prevent and mitigate the effects of hazards. Healthier residents are less vulnerable to the risks of hazards; therefore, the hazard is less devastating to the community.Working With Local Partners
The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health works with local partners to ensure that local public health capacities are in place to address large-scale disease outbreaks, illness or bioterrorism events in Lawrence and Douglas County. Services provided include:- Preparedness and response planning and risk assessments
- Communication enhancement between public health and response partners
- Increased capacity to conduct epidemiological and surveillance activities
- Practicing public health emergency response plans
Be Prepared
A tornado flattens your neighborhood. A fire destroys your home. A pandemic strikes your region and half of your family is separated. What will you and your family do in emergency disaster situations? Are you prepared?Whether it’s a natural disaster, public health emergency or man-made event, by being prepared now, you and your family can have the necessary tools in place during an emergency. Two of the most important things you can do are:
- Make a Kit
- Have a Plan
Healthy You, Resilient You
A healthy person is a resilient person. Focusing on your health can have a big impact on Douglas County’s preparedness and response. Here’s some things you can do that can have a positive effect on your health, your resilience, and ultimately the resilience of Douglas County:- Go for walk and get to know your neighborhood and your neighbors. Check in with each other during severe weather or other emergency situations.
- Encourage your social organizations to practice a fire or tornado drill together.
- Keep copies of priority medication prescriptions on hand.
- Regularly see your primary care physician for wellness examinations.
- Take a First Aid/CPR class